Saturday, December 17, 2005

Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association

Thanks to Cori Shropshire's weekly column, I learn that the Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association is saying and hearing the right things:
Speaking of the Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association, a dining room at the Duquesne Club was jam-packed Tuesday to hear the "How do we grow the tech industry?" observations of Dr. [Rob] Lowe, Allegheny Conference on Community Development CEO Michael Langley, the state Department of Community and Economic Development's Rebecca Bagley and CMU and Pitt economic development vice president Don Smith. But it was panel member and BirchmereVenture principal Chuck Dietrick who left the crowd buzzing. Mr. Dietrick articulated a point that everyone knows but rarely speaks of -- the need for the private sector to become more involved in capturing, investing and sprouting new university-bred technologies. "We have a major commercialization problem in this area, and we haven't done enough to catalyze the private sector to do something about it," Mr. Dietrick said.

Well, some of us speak of it! Welcome aboard the Pittsblog bandwagon!

1 comment:

Hooman said...

Although I am happy that Pittsburghers are discussing the issue of technology commercialization, what do they propose as a solution to our current situation? I have been to a number of these meetings and have yet to see any actionable plan result from them. Don't get me wrong, I am glad people are speaking out. But, talk is cheap. I for one would like to see someone put their money where their mouth is. Did Mr. Dietrich let anyone know how he intended to do to follow up on his statement?